Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Tubal ligation is done to prevent pregnancy.
If you have this surgery, you will still ovulate and menstruate. The cut or blocked tubes keep the egg and sperm separated. When the egg and sperm cannot meet, fertilization does not happen and pregnancy cannot occur.

This surgery is not recommended as a temporary or reversible procedure. Make sure you and your partner consider all the birth control options.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Potential problems include:

Anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia
—numbs the area from the chest down to the legs; given as an injection in the back

Description of the Procedure

A small cut will be made in the area of the navel. A harmless gas will then be inserted through this cut and into your abdomen. The gas will inflate the abdominal cavity. This will make it easier to view the internal organs. A long, thin instrument called a laparoscope will be inserted. It will contain a small camera and lighting system, which will let the doctor see inside the abdomen. A second cut may be made just above the pubic hair to insert an instrument for grasping the fallopian tubes. The tubes will be closed in one of the following ways:

Ligation—tying and cutting of the tube

Sealing by creating scar tissue

Removing a small piece of the tube

Applying plastic bands or clips

The instruments will then be removed and the openings will be closed with stitches.

In some cases, the doctor may switch to an
open surgery. This involves making a larger incision.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be brought into the recovery room. You will rest there until the anesthesia wears off. You may receive pain medication.

How Long Will It Take?

20-30 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will keep you comfortable and pain free during the procedure. You may feel bloated and have pain in your shoulder or chest because of the air inserted into your abdomen. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You can usually go home the same day. You may need to stay longer if you have complications.

At Home

To help ensure a smooth recovery:

To help ensure a smooth recovery:

Follow your doctor's instructions on cleaning the incision site to prevent infection.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Sterilization for women and men. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq011.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130422T1556422204. Updated August 2011. Accessed March 18, 2014.

Tubal sterilization. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/sex-birth-control/birth-control/tubal-sterilization.html. Updated July 2010. Accessed March 18, 2014.